2026 Graduate UX Developer, IT & Digital
2026 Graduate UX Developer, IT & Digital

2026 Graduate UX Developer, IT & Digital

Kent Placement 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Design user-friendly interfaces for web and mobile applications that impact millions.
  • Company: Join National Grid, a leader in the UK energy network driving a greener future.
  • Benefits: Starting salary of £36,640, bonuses, 26 days holiday, and flexible working options.
  • Why this job: Shape digital experiences while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Minimum 2:2 in UX Design or related fields; eagerness to learn is key.
  • Other info: 18-month graduate programme with tailored development and mentorship opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we\’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need – and we\’re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

But it\’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it\’s no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.

About The Role

As a Graduate UX/UI Designer, you\’ll play a key role in shaping how users interact with our digital products across National Grid. You\’ll work closely with product managers, developers, and fellow designers to bring ideas to life — designing interfaces that are not only visually appealing but also user-centred and inclusive.

This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills in a supportive, fast-paced environment where your creativity and curiosity will be valued. You\’ll gain hands-on experience in user research, design systems, prototyping, and stakeholder engagement, all while contributing to projects that impact millions of users.

What You\’ll Be Doing

  • Designing and prototyping user interfaces for web and mobile applications
  • Conducting user research, usability testing, and competitor analysis to inform design decisions
  • Translating user needs and business goals into wireframes, mock-ups, and interactive prototypes
  • Collaborating with developers to ensure accurate implementation of designs
  • Supporting the creation and maintenance of design systems and style guides
  • Evaluating and iterating on designs based on user and stakeholder feedback
  • Applying UX principles to improve customer journeys and digital touchpoints
  • Participating in organisational design reviews and contributing to software architecture discussions
  • Creating high-quality graphics and layouts that align with brand guidelines
  • Using standard tools and methods to support UX analysis, evaluation, and documentation
  • Engaging with stakeholders to gather feedback and support change initiatives
  • Staying up to date with the latest UX/UI trends, tools, and best practices

You\’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement — helping us deliver exceptional digital experiences that meet the needs of our customers and support our journey toward a sustainable energy future.

Our Graduate Programme

As you\’ll be joining our 18-month graduate programme, you\’ll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You\’ll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We\’re committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you\’ll also have access to 121 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.

All graduates complete the core development programme to develop key skills such as how to make an impact, giving feedback and presentation skills. Aligned to our IT & Digital pathway you\’ll develop your IT technical skills including AGILE and Scrum. You\’ll also gain important insights in engineering and electricity to help broaden your understanding of our business and industry.

We believe in the importance of getting as much on-the-job experience as possible and to do this, you will complete three 6-month placements, across the UK, designed to deepen your understanding of your speciality but to also broaden your knowledge of our business. At the end of your 18-month programme you\’ll return to your initial placement area to kickstart your superpowered career.

What you\’ll need to apply

You\’ll need to achieve, or be working towards, a minimum 2:2 in User Experience (UX) Design, Human-Centred Design, Marketing, Psychology, or a closely related discipline . It doesn\’t matter when you graduated or if you are currently working towards your qualification. We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.

Location

This role is based in Warwick and may offer flexible hybrid working, where possible.

What You\’ll Get In Return

We are proud to offer a graduate starting salary of £36,640

Not only will you receive a tailored development programme to progress a superpowered career at National Grid, we also offer some great rewards and benefits too:

  • £2,000 bonus, once joined and started on programme
  • 26 days holiday
  • £2,400 payment on successful completion of the programme
  • Up to £200 per month accommodation allowance as you move around the business, and additional annual leave for when you move between placements plus assistance with moving personal belongings
  • Other benefits include pension and share-option schemes, Flexible Benefits, close mentorship and regular feedback & volunteering opportunities.

More Information

You can only apply for one graduate opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our graduate opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between November – April 2026

National Grid\’s Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Please be aware that it\’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we\’re not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit

At National Grid, it\’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.

Graduateopportunities2026

2026 Graduate UX Developer, IT & Digital employer: National Grid

National Grid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises innovation and collaboration. As a Graduate UX Developer in Warwick, you'll benefit from a tailored 18-month development programme, competitive salary, and unique opportunities for hands-on experience across various placements, all while contributing to a sustainable energy future. With a strong focus on personal growth, mentorship, and a commitment to diversity, National Grid empowers its employees to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
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Contact Detail:

National Grid Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land 2026 Graduate UX Developer, IT & Digital

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at National Grid on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your application process. Personal connections can make a huge difference!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common UX design questions. Think about how you can showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills. Use real-life examples from your projects to demonstrate your expertise.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to tailor your portfolio! Highlight projects that align with National Grid’s mission of sustainability and user-centred design. Show them how your work can contribute to their vision of a greener future.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at National Grid. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Graduate UX Developer, IT & Digital

User Experience (UX) Design
User Interface (UI) Design
Prototyping
User Research
Usability Testing
Wireframing
Collaboration
Stakeholder Engagement
Design Systems
Visual Design
Competitor Analysis
Feedback Evaluation
Agile Methodologies
Scrum

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for UX Design: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for UX design shine through! Share specific examples of projects or experiences that sparked your interest in user-centred design. We want to see your creativity and how you think about user interactions.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to align with the role at National Grid. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that your application is processed correctly and gives you the best chance of being considered. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid

✨Know Your UX Principles

Brush up on your understanding of user experience principles and how they apply to design. Be ready to discuss how you would use these principles to create user-centred designs that align with National Grid's mission of providing exceptional digital experiences.

✨Showcase Your Portfolio

Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your skills in user research, prototyping, and usability testing. Be ready to explain your design process and the impact your designs had on user experience.

✨Research National Grid

Familiarise yourself with National Grid’s role in the energy sector and their commitment to sustainability. Understanding their projects and values will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

✨Practice Collaboration Scenarios

Since you'll be working closely with product managers and developers, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated in a team setting. Be prepared to discuss how you handle feedback and iterate on designs based on stakeholder input.

2026 Graduate UX Developer, IT & Digital
National Grid

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